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Visiting Fellows

Clare Hall brings together research scholars of different nationalities and academic disciplines, from graduate students studying for a higher degree to senior professors.

The standards for Visiting Fellowships are high, with fellowships only awarded to applicants who have made a substantial contribution to their fields, who have an excellent record of publication, and who enjoy an international reputation for intellectual achievement.

Most Visiting Fellows, like many of the graduate students, are from overseas, thus adding an international dimension to life in the College, and are encouraged to bring their partners or family. They become Life Members of Clare Hall and are welcomed back at any time to participate in college life.

Before applying, if they do not already have a personal invitation, applicants should make contact with the University of Cambridge department most closely related to their work. The department will be asked to provide a letter of invitation or support by the on-line system.

Applicants should submit a CV, personal statement and research proposal in PDF format, and the names of three referees familiar with their work. At least one referee should be from outside your own university. The FAS on-line system will send emails requesting references and letters of invitation or support. The system will inform you by email if any references are missing 7 days before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the deadline dates for 2017/18 applications?The Visiting Fellowship competition is a rolling programme. The deadline date shown is the date by which completed applications must be received to be considered at the next meeting of the Governing Body.​

• 19 September for 4 October 2017

• 24 October for 8 November 2017

• 26 December for 10 January 2018

• 6 February for 21 February 2018

• 3 April for 18 April 2018

• 15 May for 30 May 2018

When can I expect to be notified of the Governing Body's decision?On receipt of all documentation and references, your application will be considered and you will be notified of the outcome as soon as a decision is made.

What happens if I miss the deadline date for applications?If you do not complete your application by this date your application will remain open to be completed for the subsequent deadline, unless this is less than 6 months away and you require accommodation.

Are Visiting Fellows classed as full members of the College?Visiting Fellowships carry full membership of the College, with use of all its facilities.

Do Visiting Fellows need to reside in Cambridge for the duration of their fellowship?Fellows are required to reside in Cambridge for at least two-thirds of each term for which they hold a Visiting Fellowship, and are normally elected for a minimum period of six months and a maximum of one year. Those wishing to come to Cambridge for a shorter period should note that it may not be possible to arrange this unless the period is in term time and that Visiting Fellows coming for longer stays may be given accommodation preference to those staying for only a few months.

Are Visiting Fellows eligible for College accommodation?Yes. However, the College normally requires at least six months notice if accommodation is required.

Is there a minimum term for a Visiting Fellow?Note that it is unusual to elect Fellows for periods of less than 3 months.

Are there any associated College duties for Visiting Fellows?There are no special duties, but the Governing Body naturally hopes that Fellows will take part in College activities.

Are Visiting Fellows entitled to free meals?Fellows are entitled to twenty free meals per calendar month, funded out of College Trust Fund income. This is given as £200.00 of free tokens on the Fellow’s University card, using the Upay online system. The allowance covers normal lunches, suppers and dinners, but not College Feasts, which are charged at cost. Fellows can also use their allowance to pay for one other person, additional guests are charged at the standard cost shown above. There is a drinks charge for all attendees at Formal Dinners, this covers wine and a range of soft drinks, the meals allowance does not cover the drinks charge and Visiting Fellows and students must upload sufficient credit before attending the dinner.

Can membership privileges be shared between academic couples?Since there is a restricted complement of Visiting Fellows it is often the case that only one partner of an academic pair is elected as a Fellow, but membership privileges are shared and both are treated as academic visitors.

Are there any other financial considerations when applying as a Visiting Fellow?When considering whether to apply, you are advised to assess the financial implications carefully. In addition to rent and other charges related to your accommodation, Visiting Fellows are liable for an establishment charge which helps to defray the cost of providing College services and facilities; this is revised each October and will be charged at the rate of £155.00 per month for the 2017/2018 academic year. A charge is also made for (optional) membership of the College Sports Centre.

If you have further questions or require more information, please contact the College Registrar.